OMNY card readers installed at a New York City subway station. The contactless system is set to fully replace the MetroCard by the end of 2025 as part of the MTA’s modernization efforts. – Image courtesy of the MTA / OMNY.info
NEW YORK CITY, NY — After over three decades of swipes and beeps, New York City’s iconic MetroCard is nearing its final ride. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that it will cease selling and distributing MetroCards by December 31, 2025, ushering in a complete transition to the contactless OMNY (One Metro New York) fare system.
First introduced in 1993 to replace subway tokens, the MetroCard revolutionized fare payment and became a fixture of daily life for millions of commuters. Now, as part of a broader modernization effort, the MTA is phasing out the MetroCard in favor of OMNY, which allows riders to tap and pay using contactless credit or debit cards, mobile wallets, or a reloadable OMNY card.
Transition Timeline and Rider Guidelines
- MetroCard sales will end on December 31, 2025.
- MetroCard use will continue into 2026, though the official cutoff date has not yet been determined.
- Riders will have up to two years after the printed expiration date on their cards to transfer balances or request refunds through MTA customer service centers or mobile sales units.
OMNY: A Modern Fare Solution
Already in operation across all subway stations and MTA-operated buses, OMNY enables seamless, contactless entry using a bank card, smartphone, smartwatch, or an OMNY card—available for $1 and reloadable with cash or digitally.
As of early 2025, approximately 65% of MTA riders have adopted OMNY, and this number is expected to grow rapidly as the MetroCard phase-out draws closer.
Benefits of OMNY
OMNY offers several key advantages over the MetroCard, including:
- Weekly fare capping: After 12 paid rides between Monday and Sunday (totaling $34), riders automatically receive unlimited rides for the rest of the week—no need for an upfront unlimited pass purchase.
- Pay-as-you-go convenience: No need to preload fares in advance.
- Flexible reloading: OMNY cards can be topped up at stations, participating retail locations, online, or via MTA’s mobile service vans.
Cost Savings and Global Alignment
Retiring the MetroCard is expected to save the MTA at least $20 million annually by cutting costs associated with card production, vending machine maintenance, and cash handling. This shift also aligns New York’s transit system with those of other major cities worldwide that have adopted contactless fare solutions.
Farewell to a Classic
While longtime riders may experience some nostalgia, the MTA encourages all New Yorkers to embrace OMNY for a faster, more convenient, and future-ready commuting experience.
For more details on OMNY cards, fare capping, and how to prepare for the MetroCard phase-out, visit www.omny.info.
